terbutaline: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Low Frequency (Specialist)Technical / Medical
Quick answer
What does “terbutaline” mean?
A synthetic bronchodilator drug used to treat asthma and other lung conditions by relaxing the airways.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A synthetic bronchodilator drug used to treat asthma and other lung conditions by relaxing the airways.
A medication belonging to the beta-2 agonist class, primarily used in respiratory medicine for rapid relief of bronchospasm. It can also be used to delay premature labour in obstetrics (though not as a first-line treatment).
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant lexical differences. Both varieties use the same term. Prescription practices and available brand names may differ.
Connotations
Purely medical/pharmaceutical, with no cultural connotation differences between regions.
Frequency
Equally low-frequency in both dialects, confined to medical contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “terbutaline” in a Sentence
The doctor prescribed [terbutaline] for the asthma attack.The patient was given [terbutaline] via a nebulizer.[Terbutaline] is used to treat/prevent/reduce bronchospasm.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “terbutaline” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The terbutaline formulation was updated.
- A terbutaline-dependent patient.
American English
- The terbutaline solution is ready.
- A terbutaline-induced side effect.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used in pharmaceutical industry contexts: 'The company manufactures generic terbutaline.'
Academic
Used in pharmacology and medical research papers: 'The study compared the efficacy of terbutaline and salbutamol.'
Everyday
Used by patients and caregivers discussing medication: 'I need to use my terbutaline before exercise.'
Technical
Used in clinical settings by healthcare professionals: 'Administer 2.5mg of terbutaline sulfate via nebulizer stat.'
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “terbutaline”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “terbutaline”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “terbutaline”
- Mispronunciation: /ˈtɜːrbjʊtəlaɪn/ (stressing the first syllable).
- Misspelling: 'terbutaline', 'terbutaline'.
- Using it as a countable noun: *'I took two terbutalines' (prefer: 'I took two puffs of terbutaline').
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, terbutaline is not a steroid. It is a bronchodilator in a class of drugs called beta-2 agonists.
They are both short-acting beta-2 agonists (SABAs) used as rescue inhalers. They work similarly, but terbutaline may have a slightly longer duration of action. The choice often depends on prescribing practices, availability, and individual patient response.
Yes, in some cases it is used to delay preterm labour (as a tocolytic agent), though this is not its primary or first-line use, and other medications are typically preferred.
When inhaled, it typically begins to work within 5 to 15 minutes to open the airways.
A synthetic bronchodilator drug used to treat asthma and other lung conditions by relaxing the airways.
Terbutaline is usually technical / medical in register.
Terbutaline: in British English it is pronounced /təˈbjuːtəliːn/, and in American English it is pronounced /tərˈbjuːtəˌliːn/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'TURBINE' for your lungs. A TURbo-charged BETA-2 agonist helps your air-TURBINE (lungs) work.
Conceptual Metaphor
MEDICATION IS A KEY: Terbutaline is a key that unlocks constricted airways.
Practice
Quiz
Terbutaline is primarily classified as what type of drug?